THE WATERMOO
📍 Michigan, United States
gravel
Date
8 August 2026
Distance
111 miles
Elevation
1,218 m
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Homegrown Gravel Adventure
Georgia, United States · February 2027
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
Offering distances from 20 to 100 miles, this authentic Southern gravel event challenges riders on gritty red clay roads along the Georgia and Alabama border. It serves as a demanding yet rewarding early-season opener with a warm, grassroots community feel.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 20 miles · 40 miles · 62 miles · 100 miles
- Elevation
- 8,500 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.5–4.2
Rider fit
Who it's for
Riders seeking a grassroots, community-oriented gravel event to kick off their season with varied distance options and a festive post-race atmosphere.
Who will struggle
Cyclists who are unprepared for chilly February weather, or those attempting the 100-mile distance without sufficient early-season base miles.
Training focus
Building aerobic capacity and muscular endurance early in the year to handle rolling, potentially heavy red clay gravel terrain.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What distance options are available?+
The event offers four different routes: a new 20-mile introductory ride, a challenging 40-mile option, a classic 62-mile race, and a demanding 100-mile endurance route.
Where does the event take place and how do I get there?+
The race is headquartered in downtown Franklin, Georgia (Heard County), which is situated approximately one hour south of the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Is there a prize purse for competitive riders?+
Yes, there is a total prize purse of $10,000 available for the event.
What lodging and camping options are available in Franklin?+
Franklin offers camping at a large riverside community park as well as RV hook-ups with water and electricity at the local Covered Arena. Most major hotel chains are located within 15 miles of the town.
What kind of terrain and roads should I expect?+
Riders will experience unpolished Southern gravel, with routes utilizing the red clay roads that cross back and forth over the Georgia and Alabama state lines.